In our Bible lesson this weekend we saw Jesus’ final words of instruction. As Jesus arose and was soon to go back to God the Father, it was important that his closest followers understand that much work was to be done. An entire world needed and still needs to hear the wonderful promise: hope and life in God’s kingdom. Because Jesus was going back to the Father, the task of extending this invitation falls in great part on the people of God.
Obviously, extending invitations to billions of people will require a lot of work, a lot of communication, and a lot of love. God needs us to spread the news, the love, and the promise. Because the task is great, much action is needed. The more people involved, the more work can be done and the easier the task will be.
This weekend’s lesson explored both the Bible passage of the Great Commission and the various ways in which children can fulfill that commission. Part of the goal of the lesson was to show some teachings of Jesus, so that the children can begin to learn things they can share with others.
The Great Commission is a charge for us all. However, evangelism, witness, and love can be explored in so many ways. No one single person has a mastery of every way that can be used to spread God’s Word. This week discover ways that you and your children can share God’s Word and God’s love with all of those he places in your paths.
Lets remember that the blessings we Christians are so fortunate to receive are also blessings that God wants the whole world to discover and enjoy. What a great feeling it is when we know we have helped another receive the blessings of God.
“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25
Hey guys,
Our first Kidz Kamp workday was a success. To those of you that came out, THANKS. to those of you that couldn’t be with us this time, we’ll see you on Saturday May 9.
In a previous lesson we explored the account of Peter denying Jesus three times. What could have motivated Peter to deny even knowing the man he loved and followed? Most likely, Peter was afraid for his own safety. He had seen Jesus get arrested, and problably was thinking that he did not want to get arrested. Apparently the other disciples also shared this fear. How do we know this?, well in John 20:19, we read that on that first Sunday “the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear”.
After the resurrection, Jesus had appeared to the disciples several times. They were filled with joy, but they weren’t sure what to do. And maybe that is what drove them to go back to do what they knew best and that was to go fishing. The disciples fished all night without catching anything. Just after daybreak, a figure appeared on the beach and the voice of a man called out, telling them to fish on the other side of the boat. A miracle occurred, their net was suddenly full of fish! The disciples then realized that the man was Jesus and they headed immediately for the shore. Peter was so excited that he jumped in the water and swam ahead of the others. When they arrived on the beach they saw that Jesus had cooked breakfast.
As we read about this account, we can’t help but think about Peter, surely he had been discouraged by his own weakness that led him to deny his love for Jesus. And how easy it is for us to dwell on our mistakes. But just as Jesus had an encouraging message for Peter, He has a message for us as well. And His message is that we will make mistakes, but if we love Him then we repent and learn from those mistakes. This week help your children learn what we and Peter know, and that is that God has always used imperfect people to accomplish great things. Remind the children that God will use them and He has a plan for their lives.
“I am with you always” Matthew 28:20
This message comes to you from our Kidz Ministry Leader at the West Campus, he wanted to share with all of you.
For all of you who served at the Easter Service, thanks for all your hard work. (Especially those who pulled double duty.) We appreciate your sacrifice. We couldn’t do it without you.
We had close to 400 kids in attendance this year. That’s the most we’ve ever had. (You know. You were there.)
Just to think, because of your willingness to serve as part of the body many souls were added to the kingdom. There’s no greater reward.
Be encouraged. Get some rest. Continue to pray.
Again, thank you for your service to these families and more importantly to our Lord Jesus Christ. May His name be praised and may He be glorified above all else.
John Green
Water Baptism
Saturday, April 18th at 9am
Join us as at Key Biscayne as we come together to celebrate the baptism of our brothers and sisters in the faith. Then stay on the beach to share a time of fellowship and food.
Directions: Take US-1 North toward Brickell Avenue exit. Turn right onto Rickenbacker Causeway (toll). Go over bridge to MAST ACADEMY DRIVE and turn right towards beach. Location is the last beach before the Miami Seaquarium. For assistance on the day of the baptism call 305-926-2239. For more information call 305-233-5433.
Our celebration of the last week of Jesus’ life is called Holy Week. It was an eventful week. Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph on Palm Sunday; He taught in the Temple; ate the Last Supper with His disciples; He prayed in Gethsemane; He was betrayed by Judas; and He was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. Jesus’ closest disciples fled in fear, and on Friday, when Jesus died, it was mainly His women followers who witnessed His death. The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset, so there was no time to complete the normal burial rituals. The women watched as Jesus’ body was hastily placed in a tomb hewn out of the rocky hillside.
Each of the four Gospels reports that early on Sunday morning, after the sabbath was over, it was the women who were first to witness the Resurrection. They came to the tomb to wash and anoint Jesus’ body, but the tomb was empty! Some people accused the disciples of fabricating the story of the Resurrection. However, since women were not allowed to be legal witnesses in those days, the disciples would have surely devised a better plan if they had intended to fool anyone. The fact that women discovered the empty tomb, then, actually added credibility to the account!
The account of the Resurrection is an account about the power of God, power that is stronger than hatred, than fear and stronger than death itself. Children have many reactions to Jesus’ death and Resurrection. Some simply accept it without question, while others are disturbed by Jesus’ suffering and death. Help your children know that Jesus’ death is not the end of the story. Help them see that the good news is that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive today!
This week encourage your children to explore the account of the Resurrection and what it means to them. Encourage them to wonder, to pose questions, and to grow in their faith.
“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25
Title: Kidz Camp Workday
Location: CCk
Description: Come out and help us with creating props and crafts for the upcoming Kidz Camp. We will provide lunch. (Pizza).
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-04-25
End Time: 14:00
We are please to announce that we will offer Kids Ministry for our Special Needs buddies this Easter Sunday during our 11 am service. For more information call the church office at 305-233-5433 ask to speak to Pedro Carrion or JP.
This Week’s lesson moves us from Peter and his final hours with Jesus while on earth to the week prior, when Jesus makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In church tradition, this day is remembered as Palm Sunday.
According to the Scriptures, Jesus asked two of His disciples to go into a nearby village and get a donkey and its colt, and bring them back to Him. Once the disciples brought the animals to Jesus, He rode the donkey into Jerusalem as a grand entrance. We can read the biblical account in Matthew 21:1-11.
By this time Jesus had many followers, and many were excited to see Him. As He began to enter the city, many of them spread their garments on the road. Others grabbed palm branches and waived them or placed them on Jesus’ path. This was their sign of tribute and their way of acknowledging Jesus as their leader. This may have seen an unusual entarnce for a king, but in reality it was the fulfillment of a prophecy told by the prophet Zechariah more than five hundred years prior.
The prevailing theme in this lesson is to celebrate Jesus the same way that His followers celebrated Him that Palm Sunday of long ago. This week as we remember the events that led to Jesus’ death and resurrection, encourage your children to celebrate Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25
